March 26, 2025

Welcome new graduate students and welcome back returning students!

As we begin the spring quarter and a new calendar year, the Office of Graduate Studies would like to remind you of a few important academic dates, deadlines, policies and resources to help you navigate your graduate studies. We recommend you bookmark this information for future reference.

Office Operations

The Office of Graduate Studies on the third floor of the Main Building (Main 301) is generally open for student services between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The office is closed on Fridays, but our team is available remotely to assist you.

Students should check in at the office using their DragonCard ID at the digital kiosk located at the front desk or contact graduatecollege@drexel.edu for assistance. Please expect 1-2 business days for an email response. We offer complimentary filtered cold and hot water, tea, coffee and hot chocolate for graduate students during office hours. Please bring your own reusable cup or mug and help us keep the kitchenette area clean and dry for all.

The Graduate Student Lounge, located on the lower level of Main Building (Main 010A), is open 24/7 and accessible to all graduate students via your DragonCard ID. Students are welcome to use the lounge for quiet social gathering, meeting, studying, eating and events. Please discard all trash, especially food items, and keep the lounge clean and furniture organized as you found it. Please alert the Graduate College of any issues, spills or food items left behind so we can request cleaning or maintenance ASAP. More information about the lounge, including how to reserve it, is available on the website. New students will receive access to the lounge during their first week of classes.

Academic Dates & Deadlines

Please refer to the Academic Calendars on the Provost’s website frequently for all academic dates and deadlines, which are subject to change. You should also consult with your individual college or school officials and assigned graduate academic advisor(s) for additional dates, deadlines and requirements for your program. 

Spring Quarter Dates & Deadlines:

Monday, March 31 – Classes Begin
Friday, April 4 – Deadline to Confirm Your Enrollment in your DrexelOne
Friday, April 4 – Deadline to Add/Drop a Course with Academic Advisor Assistance
Sunday, April 6 by 11:59 p.m. ET – Deadline to Add/Drop a Course in your DrexelOne*
Monday, April 21 – New graduate students only: Deadline to Complete Mandatory Graduate Studies Orientation
Sunday, April 27 – New graduate students only: Deadline to Complete Graduate Student Title IX Training
Friday, May 2 – Deadline to Submit an Application for Degree in your DrexelOne for Spring Quarter Graduation
Friday, May 2 – Deadline to Submit an Application to Participate in Commencement Activities to Walkthrough at June Commencement
Week of May 5 – Spring Quarter Registration Begins (Review Your Time Ticket Information)
Friday, May 16 – Deadline to Withdraw from a Course with Academic Advisor Assistance
Saturday, June 7 – Last Day of Classes
Monday, June 9 – Term Examinations Begin
Wednesday, June 11 – Friday, June 13 – College/School Commencement Ceremonies
Thursday, June 12 – University-Wide Commencement
Saturday, June 14 – Term Examinations End
Saturday, June 14 – Spring Quarter Degree Conferral Date (Date that appears on diploma)
Friday, June 20 – Academic Standing Notices Go Out (See Academic Standing: Graduate Students)
Monday, June 23 – Summer Quarter Classes Begin

Doctoral degree candidates and master’s thesis option students should refer to additional deadlines on the Graduation page and check with their advisor(s) for program dates and deadlines which may be earlier.

For part-of-term and semester dates and deadlines, please refer to Drexel’s Academic Calendars.
 

Academic Policies & Procedures

Please refer to the academic policies and procedures listed on both the Provost’s and Office of Graduate Studies websites. Additional policies are outlined in the Student Code of Conduct, including the Academic Integrity policy and conduct process. All students MUST be aware of and knowledgeable of these policies and procedures. Please review frequently for updates.

International students (F-1 and J-1) should refer to the latest updates, policies and information on the International Students & Scholars Services (ISSS) website. All international students must have any foreign travel approved by ISSS before leaving the country to remain compliant with their visa status.
 
Are you traveling out of the country this term? Will you be taking a Drexel-issued laptop and related devices abroad? If so, please contact Drexel University Export Control Compliance in the Office of Research and Innovation (ORI) at export@drexel.edu.

Please familiarize yourself with the following academic policies and procedures:

Academic Standing: Graduate Students – Academic Standing is calculated each term that a student is registered for classes and is based on both the term and cumulative GPA. The cumulative GPA is calculated using all prior terms of graduate enrollment at Drexel. A student’s academic standing is reflected on their permanent academic transcript. A graduate student must maintain a minimum 3.00 term and cumulative GPA to progress toward graduation. Please note that individual programs may set higher standards. Please click on the policy for definitions, actions and requirements. 

• Academic Integrity Pertaining to Artificial Intelligence
• Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
• Course Program of Study (CPoS) & FAQs
• Grades Policy: Graduate Students
• Incomplete Grades Policy & Contract: Graduate Students
• Grade Appeals Procedure
• Course Repeat Policy: Graduate Students
• Leave of Absence Policy
• Graduation Requirements
• Religious Observances Policy & Calendar & How to Request Accommodations
• Vacation Policy for PhD and Doctoral-Level Students 

Resources & Opportunities

• Review Campus Maps & Locations and plan ahead so you arrive at your scheduled classes on time.
• Review various transportation options and the Drexel shuttle bus schedules.
• Get acquainted with your DrexelOne portal and Drexel Learn, Drexel’s fully supported learning management system (LMS). For questions about Learn or trainings and workshops, contact the Instructional Technology Group (ITG) at itg@drexel.edu. You can also view tutorials on YouTube and read their blog. Further, watch the "Discover Blackboard: Drexel’s Learning Management System" webinar.
• Visit Drexel University’s Information Technology (DUIT) website to get connected or contact the Help Desk for assistance at 215.895.2020 or helpdesk@drexel.edu. For issues with your Drexel email or accounts, contact accounts@drexel.edu.
• Learn more about utilizing your student Microsoft Office 365 account, including email and apps.
• Review Drexel’s Information Security team resources, best practices and available training.
• Protect yourself and others against cyberthreats such as phishing and job scams. Take the Drexel University Security Training (D.U.S.T) training and receive your SANS security training certificate! Access the training at https://drexel.edu/it/security/awareness-program/. For any security related questions, please contact informationsecurity@drexel.edu.
• Review the information on the Public Safety website, including campus safety tips, how to request a walking escort and emergency phone numbers you should save in your phone.
• Register for an upcoming Steinbright Career Development Center (SCDC) workshops, including an Overview of SCDC Services on April 3, drop-in resume review sessions, and drop-in virtual career-related Q&A sessions throughout the term and year. And, save the date for the Spring Career Fair on April 22!
• Visit the Drexel University Libraries website for a virtual orientation and resources and watch the "Introducing Drexel Libraries and Services & Navigating the Waters of Academic Integrity with Artificial Intelligence (AI)" webinar.
• The Academic Resource Center (ARC) provides academic support and resources for graduate students, both on campus and online, through the Center for Learning and Academic Success Services (CLASS), English Language Center (ELC), and academic partners.
• The Drexel Writing Center (DWC) provides support through its Graduate Writing Consultants (GWCs) for all writing projects. Make an appointment online or become a GWC! Have a long-term writing project, such as a thesis or dissertation? For more information or to get started, email Elizabeth Kimball, University Writing Program Director, at ek674@drexel.edu.
• Students seeking information or accommodations for a documented disability should register with Disability Resources.
• Review important policies and reporting protocols from the Drexel's Office of Civil Rights Compliance (CRC).
• Review Drexel’s compliance and privacy services and compliance hotline and website.
• Browse DragonLink for a list of recognized student organizations and upcoming events hosted by student organizations.
• Don’t miss the monthly DrexelNOW graduate student newsletter edition for the latest graduate-specific news, events and opportunities. Follow DrexelNOW on social media too!
• Stay up to date on the latest Professional Buzz - a blog warehousing relevant information, tips and tools for students and professionals looking for career development and advice. The blog is written and curated by Associate Dean, Anne Converse Willkomm.
• Browse photos from past Office of Graduate Studies programs and events on Flickr!
• More Graduate Studies News & Events- Check back periodically for updates!

Take Care & Be Well

Remember, you must be well to do well. Information about available health and wellness resources for graduate students is outlined on the Graduate Studies website, including information about the Office of Counseling and Health Services and SupportLinc, Drexel’s Employee Assistance Program, a free 24/7 confidential and professional service for support, guidance, counseling, and resources which is available to graduate students and their families and household members at no additional cost.

Please also refer to the Health & Well-Being at Drexel website for information about campus health and counseling programs and so much more to support your wellbeing. And check out Drexel University Libraries’ LibGuides for ideas for how to relieve stress and maintain intellectual wellness.

Don’t hesitate to contact the Office of Graduate Studies with any questions or concerns. We are here to support you throughout your graduate education at Drexel. Stop by soon for a complimentary cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or to refill your water bottle.

Best wishes for a successful term!